F-35 Makes Lightning Visit to Estonia

Two US Air Force F-35 fighters arrived in Estonia in the morning of April 25 for a training “deployment” that lasted a few hours, as they took off to return to the UK after lunch. (USAF photo)

ÄMARI AIR BASE, Estonia --- Two F-35A Lightning II aircraft and approximately 20 supporting Airmen arrived today at Ämari Air Base, Estonia, from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England.

The F-35As are participating in their first-ever training deployment to Europe. The aircraft and total force Airmen and are from the 34th Fighter Squadron, 388th Fighter Wing, and the Air Force Reserve’s 466th Fighter Squadron, 419 Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

The deployment has been planned for some time, has no relations to current events, and was conducted in close coordination with Estonian allies. It allows the F-35A to engage in familiarization training within the European theater while reassuring allies and partners of U.S. dedication to the enduring peace and stability of the region.

This training deployment maximizes training opportunities with our allies and partners and serves as a visible demonstration of the United States’ resolve to support NATO assurance measures.

This is the first overseas flying training deployment for the F-35A, signifying an important milestone and natural progression of the joint strike fighter program. It is the perfect opportunity for the combat-ready aircraft to train alongside U.S. and allied aircraft in a realistic training environment while demonstrating its operational capabilities.

The aircraft and Airmen began arriving in Europe on April 15, and are scheduled to remain in Estonia for a brief period of time before returning to RAF Lakenheath to continue their training deployment.

The KC-135 is from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, and is providing refueling support for the deployment.